Vale Alan Osburg
Hicksons is honoured to pay tribute to Alan Osburg, a passionate, devoted family man and dedicated lawyer with a passion for life. Sadly, Alan passed away in Sydney on Friday, 18 August 2022.
Alan was an exceptional lawyer. He had an easy coherence as a mentor, colleague and friend. He came to Sydney from Sussex Inlet and attended school at Nowra High School. He studied art/law at Sydney University from 1963 to 1969. Alan joined Hickson, Lakeman and Holcombe as an articled clerk in 1966 and was admitted as a lawyer in 1970. Alan was mentored by senior partners Bruce Holcombe and Roger Lakeman and worked with (and maintained) an interesting mix of clients. Alan’s pragmatic style and calming influence successfully captured the attention of many clients. He was simply well liked and highly respected in the profession.
Alan became a partner in 1973, where his commitment and determination helped steer the firm to consolidate and grow. It was not surprising when Alan retired from the partnership in 2005 that he continued his relationship with the firm as a consultant, keeping him connected to Hicksons as one of the most-respected senior practitioners in the firm.
Other than a man well respected within the industry, Alan’s interests went beyond the law and family. He was well known in the racing industry as an owner and breeder and, for a period, served on the AJC. Alan was instrumental in leading a number of businesses, both personal and client related. Many felt privileged to have worked with and known Alan on a professional and personal level.
Now more than ever, we realize how fortunate we have been to have known Alan not only as a colleague but as a friend. Chi Chau, partner at Hicksons, recalls: “Alan was a trusted adviser to his clients, a mentor to colleagues and a friend to all. A genuine and good-hearted person who had a generous spirit. His quiet disposition masked a steely resolve and cheeky sense of humour.
“We will miss him greatly.”
In the wake of Alan’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with his partner Lisa Miall, their son Mathew, and Alan’s daughter Karen and son Michael in Canada.
Alan was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend to many. He will be missed, but he will live on in our thoughts and in the work Alan did. Hicksons has lost a great man. He was truly an inspiration to us all.